Summary
When it comes to top Switch exclusives and exciting cross-platform games,Super Marioalways shinesas the standout star in the Nintendo lineup. Mario, with his brother Luigi by his side, represents a legendary gaming icon, celebrated for an amazing array of games throughout the years.
Suffice it to say, Mario has had a lot of fun adventures over three decades, and some of his games really stand out as the best of the lot. These tenSuper Mariosequel gamesare absolutely must-play for those either craving a trip down memory lane, or simply looking for some polished entertainment.
New Super Mario Bros. 2picks up right where the original left off, following the 2006Nintendo DSclassic.New Super Mario Bros. 2sticks to the classic formula: Mario and Luigi are on a mission to save Princess Peach from Bowser and his Koopalings. There’s an interesting new mode called “Coin Rush” where players race through stages, grabbing coins like there’s no tomorrow.New Super Mario Bros. 2boasts solid-level design, gameplay, and graphics.
However, the slight lack of innovation and oversimplification, along with its resemblance to earlier titles, is a bit disappointing. Sure, the gameplay is still enjoyable, but there’s nothing standout or fresh in this third installment of theNew Super Mario Bros. series, which explains its position in this ranking.
Super Mario Bros. 2began as a completely different game in Japan, known asDoki Doki Panic. Now, while this sequel might catch some flak for its tough-as-nails gameplay, it holds its own special charm even decades after its release.
Super Mario Bros. 2puts a fun spin onDoki Doki Panic, standing out as a quirky and inventive platformer featuring favorite Nintendo characters; players can choose from Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool, or Toad.
Some fans considerSuper Mario Bros. 2as just an extension of the first game, and not a whole new sequel, but there’s no doubt that it’s definitely a fun game in theMariolineup, holding its own among the franchise’s best.
New Super Mario Bros. Uis a fantastic 2D adventure that understands what makesMario’slevel design great, throwing in some fun surprises along the way. New power-ups? Check. A cool world map? Check. Creative enemies? Double check. Play it again, especially the challenge modes, and its a peakSuper Marioexperience.
New Super Mario Bros. Ugave theSuper Mario Bros.series a much-needed jolt, shaking off the dullness that had crept in over time. It offered a fresh spin on platforming, featuring lively, diverse levels that are as simple as they are creative, ideal for players of every skill level. If this game flew under the radar because some thought the new series was over-hyped, it’s time for a second look.
Super Mario Bros.has been re-released seemingly a hundred times over its three decades of life for one simple reason: it’s iconic. Originally released in 1985, the very firstSuper Mariogame set the standard for platformers by nailing down Mario’s signature move: jumping.Super Mario Bros. was a game changer, bringing the side-scrolling platformer to the forefront of gaming. Critics and players alike were wowed by its tight controls and tough gameplay.
Even with its blocky 8-bit visuals, the originalSuper Mario Bros.remains a classic, and is still considered one of thebest NES games ever made.Responsive controls, spot-on platforming, and plenty of secrets make exploring those classic levels worthwhile.
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hopeproves thatMariogames still know how to keep things fresh, even after almost forty years. It’s a turn-based adventure through the galaxy in which Mario, his crew, and their Rabbid buddies are on a mission to catch Cursa, collect Sparks, and save planets along the way. It’s likeMario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, but with an extra kick.
This game has it all: dynamic battles, engaging stages, a killer soundtrack, and a ton of character options for players to mix up their combat style. In short,Sparks of Hopeeffortlessly adopts a fresh 3D spin, standing out from the typical 2D platformers on this list.
New Super Mario Bros. Wiiwas brought to the Wii back in 2009, and it was absolutely worth the wait — over a decade, in fact. This game packed a serious punch, outmuscling its handheld counterpart with a slick jump-spin move and a four-player co-op mode that transformed the game’s standard levels into an exciting co-op gameplay challenge.
Many even considerNew Super Mario Bros. Wiias the spiritual successor to 1991’s classicSuper Mario World,as it’s also a delightful mix of challenge and fun, perfect for both hardcore fans and casual players alike. WhileNew Super Mario Bros. Wiimay seem like yesterday’s news, it’s still a clever and captivatingMariosequel for the Wii.
Super Mario Maker 2takes the original’s idea and cranks it up a notch with a treasure trove of new features and endless possibilities not seen before. Nintendo dishes out a clever campaign that’s not just a fun solo 2DMarioadventure, but also a perfect crash course in the game’s user-friendly level-building tools.
While this isn’t the typicalMarioromp, this clever sequel places over three decades of platforming glory right into players' hands. With a toolkit that’s a breeze to use, players can whip up some real magic. Plus, the new story mode is incredibly interesting and complex enough to make it worthwhile.
Although players will have to wade through a mix of punishing challenges and insultingly easy tasks to discover that sweet spot, the unbridled creativity and sheer fun on show more than compensate for the effort.
Super Mario 3D Worldisn’t just a standout on the Wii U; it’s also one of Mario’s coolest adventures. It takes important elements from3D Landand makes them even more stimulating, expanding the stages, adding intriguing puzzles, and keeping the visuals sharp and exciting. Most importantly, playing this game with friends is bound to be tremendously enjoyable, as it delivers one of the finest multiplayer experiences the series has ever seen.
This sequel brings in a wealth of classicMariopower-ups, and throws in a few that were destined to be staples in everyMarioadventure going forward. For instance, the charming Cat Mario power-up fits right into the legacy ofSuper Mario Bros. 3’s iconic animal costumes, while the flagpoles at the end of each level nod to the game that kicked off the franchise.
When it comes toSuper Mario Bros. 3, it’s not just about being a trailblazer in gaming history. It earns its spot among the bestMariogames thanks to its knack for blending innovative ideas with the sheer delight of playing aSuper Mariogame. In fact, everyMariogame that followed has clearly borrowed from that delightfully straightforward and fun formula.
Some other entries gave it a good go, but none quite nailed the gameplay magic ofSuper Mario Bros. 3,with a fresh map system, a dash of P-speed, and a range of new power-ups. The game is a delightful mix of cleverness and challenge, serving up tough trials that keep players on their toes at all times.
Super Mario Galaxy 2takes the crown, outshining its already stellar predecessor in every conceivable way. While there were plenty of other fantastic games vying for attention,Super Mario Galaxy 2swooped in and declared the Wii a must-have for serious gamers. It showed that a dash of creativity can easily outshine any tech limitations.
The game stands out as the ultimate 3DSuper Marioexperience, boasting a plethora of incredible worlds to dive into, clever puzzle designs that challenge the mind, and a version of Mario that’s an absolute joy to control in any gaming scenario. There are even more planets featured here than in the first game, boasting an impressive array of variation and experimentation.
Super Mario Galaxy 2is, without a doubt, a delightful platforming adventure that remains a joy to play, even when the challenge ramps up to the max.
